Sir Isaac Newton

SIR ISAAC NEWTON LEAVES A LEGACY

Sir Isaac Newton (1642-1727) is known as the first popular hero of modern science. The words "scientist" and "physics" did not exist during his lifetime.

The most enduring legacy of Sir Isaac Newton is his explanation of how the universe operates by logical mechanical laws. His most unusual gift was his unparalleled personal powers of concentration.

Sir Isaac Newton invented calculus, designed the reflecting telescope, and explained how the moon creates the earthly tides. From the time of Aristotle to the time of Einstein, Isaac Newton was the man.

SIR ISAAC NEWTON (FROM NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC)

WOOLSTHORPE MANOR, WHERE ISAAC NEWTON WAS BORN AND RAISED

SIR ISAAC NEWTON WAS ONCE YOUNG

Sir Isaac Newton was born the year the English Civil War began, 1642, which is also the year Galileo died. Isaac Newton was unusually small and sickly as a baby. At birth, he could have fit into a quart mug. His father was an illiterate yeoman farmer, who died three months before Isaac was born.

Newton's mother cast him off when he was but three years old, as her new husband did not want the boy in their lives. Isaac was to grow up with his maternal grandmother in a lonely farmhouse.

In school, Isaac Newton was not an outstanding student early on; nor did he make any close friends. Later, he became the top student after being bullied by a classmate. At home, Isaac drew on the walls of his bedroom until they were covered with his drawings of sundials, circles, triangles, plants, birds, beasts, ships, and men. As a teenager, he could tell the time of day by the shadows he saw.

ISAAC NEWTON DISCOVERS COLORS

SIR ISAAC NEWTON STATUE AT OXFORD

OF LIGHT AND THE UNIVERSE

Of all natural phenomena, light was the most awesome. Light was used in romance, metaphor, and theology. It was a most unlikely thing to be confined to the discipline of numbers. Newton discovered that all colors were components of white; that light moves in particles; and that colors result from the variation in frequency of these light particles.

Isaac Newton retired to the country to wait out the plague of 1665, which had temporarily closed Cambridge. While there, Newton put together his laws of physics. His idea was that the motion of all things could be explained because God had given man a rational mind capable of understanding—gradually—the rational, orderly universe God had made.

Isaac Newton set about to describe the System of the Universe. He offered a common scheme for celestial and terrestrial dynamics. Newton brought the heavenly bodies down to earth where men could grasp them. All motions of earthly and heavenly bodies could be seen, observed, and measured.

About all this Newton stated: "God exists always and everywhere. We have ideas of His attributes, but what the real substance of anything is we know not. God can be known only from the appearances of things."

SIR ISAAC NEWTON (PAINTING BY GODFREY KNELLER)

SIR ISAAC NEWTON'S TELESCOPE

THE ECCENTRIC NEWTON

The Great Fire of London in 1666, forever destroyed the London of Shakespeare and Queen Elizabeth. It also killed the rats that had caused the plague. Newton became professor of mathematics at Cambridge at the age of 27.

Newton lectured to mostly empty classrooms at Cambridge, as most students were hardly interested in his ideas, and those who were found it difficult to comprehend his teaching. His secretary said, "Few went to hear him; fewer understood him."

Isaac Newton joined the Royal Society in 1672, where he was viewed as a solitary, untrusting, morose man. He did not laugh or engage in small talk.

Isaac Newton rarely changed his clothes, fastened his shoes, or combed his hair. To dine at an actual table was unheard of; he preferred to snack throughout the day. Sitting down for a meal took far too much time away from his work.

Isaac Newton hardly ever used his bed; he would take naps here and there, around the clock. Newton rarely left his room. He had no hobbies; he never partook in physical activity. His hair turned silver by age 30.

ISAAC NEWTON CONTEMPLATES THE APPLE

ISAAC NEWTON

NEWTON UNDERSTOOD THE GRAVITY OF THE SITUATION

In 1684, Newton explained to his fellow scientists how the planets moved in elliptical orbits. In 1687, he published Principia Mathematica, perhaps the most important science book ever written. In it, Newton explicated his three laws of motion—the most important being the second, which explains the power of gravity and how it determines the movement of heavenly bodies. Newton also explained that for every action there is an opposite and equal reaction.

Isaac Newton wrote that all bodies are subject to gravity—in proportion to their masses and the square of the distance between their centres—and that this ties the planetary system together. Johannes Kepler had already described the motion of the planets—Newton took it a step further with his explanation of why they move. And what keeps them in orbit.

The Universal Law of Gravitation: Every particle in the universe is attracted to every other particle.

Newton saw God as the master creator whose existence could not be denied in the face of the grandeur of all creation. Isaac Newton wrote: "Gravity explains the motions of the planets, but it cannot explain who set the planets in motion. God governs all things and knows all that is or can be done."

As Newton became famous, he wanted to be left alone—but craved attention.

ISAAC NEWTON

SIR ISAAC NEWTON AS AN OLD MAN

EVERYTHING HE TOUCHES TURNS TO GOLD

Isaac Newton was elected a Member of Parliament in 1689. In 1693, he developed severe health problems that led to a nervous breakdown. His illness was likely caused by mercury poisoning from experiments he was conducting at the time.

Isaac Newton was named Warden of the Mint in 1696. It was meant to be a sinecure, but Newton immersed himself in the job and proved to be amazingly successful at it. He uncovered and convicted 28 counterfeiters. His work was so fabulous that in 1700 he became the first warden ever to be promoted to Master of the Mint.

Newton became the president—some say dictator—of the Royal Society in 1703 and served in this capacity until his death 25 years later. The last 30 years of his life he lived in London.

Queen Anne knighted Sir Isaac Newton in 1705, which made him the first scientist ever accorded this honor. Sir Isaac Newton famously said: "If I have seen further than most men, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants."

TOMB OF ISAAC NEWTON IN WESTMINSTER ABBEY

ISAAC NEWTON DEATH MASK

NO HERE ONE GETS OUT ALIVE

Sir Isaac Newton also loved alchemy—he produced 650,000 words on his thoughts about it. Newton, a deeply religious man, loved theology even more—he wrote 1,300,000 words about it. Notably, though he was a devout Christian, Newton rejected the Trinity.

Despite being a sickly child and never exercising as an adult, Newton lived a long life in good health. He looked startlingly young at 80 years old. His hair was white, but it was remarkably thick for a man his age. And he did not require glasses.

Newton died in his sleep and was buried in Westminster Abbey. His body was found to be infested with mercury.

On his burial monument these words appear: "Here is buried Isaac Newton, Knight, who by a strength of mind almost divine, and mathematical principles peculiarly his own, explored the course and figures of the planets, the paths of comets, the tides of the sea, the dissimilarities in rays of light, and, what no other scholar has previously imagined, the properties of the colours thus produced. Diligent, sagacious and faithful, in his expositions of nature, antiquity and the holy Scriptures, he vindicated by his philosophy the majesty of God mighty and good, and expressed the simplicity of the Gospel in his manners. Mortals rejoice that there has existed such and so great an ornament of the human race!"

SOURCES

My primary sources for this article are: Isaac Newton, The Greatest Scientist of All Time by Margaret J. Anderson; and The Discoverers by Daniel Boorstin; Great Tales from English History by Robert Lacey

The word scientist was coined in 1840. But the 17th century is revered among scientists as an age of great discovery. This is the century of Galileo, Kepler, Bacon, Pascal, Descartes, and Newton.
The 17th century saw...

Comments 149 comments

This is fabulous! Who would have known that Sir Isaac was such an interesting character? I love science! ;-D Well, not really............. but fabulous? Yes, it was......... and yes, he was! Thanks for the lesson teach........... you had me riveted! Kaie

daPuma5 6 years ago

James- I couldn't have enjoyed this more. I think I'll have to backtrack here and read the rest of the series. Thank you.

sherrylou57 6 years ago from Riverside

I enjoyed this hub, James!

Captain Jimmy 6 years ago from WV

Awesome James,

As always a good read and very informative! How's the book coming along?

BDazzler 6 years ago from Gulf Coast, USA

And not one word about the figgy cookie treat he invented ... *sigh* ... As always, an Awesome Hub!

msorensson 6 years ago

Fantastic job, as usual, James. I love that you included the epitaph..Oh it is beautiful..Too bad things like these are written when one is already dead.

cameciob 6 years ago

James, I never knew so many details of Newton's life till I read you hub. Sometimes I just cannot understand how some people can reach the truth only using their minds! Like Newton and the gravity law.

You did a great job with this article. And the pictures are completing the words very well.

H P Roychoudhury 6 years ago from Guwahati, India

No doubt the hub is a great tribute to Sir Isaac Newton. But the more you say about Newton, the less are remained to be fulfilled. As a student of science I could know a little of his scientific contribution but I was in complete dark of his growth of life. This hub has given me that opportunity to know him more and to pay my highest regard for this immortal soul.

itakins 6 years ago from Irl

James

Fascinating .I can't help wondering how some of these brilliant minds would have been stymied in their efforts,if shrinks were around.:)

advisor4qb 6 years ago from On New Footing

Fascinating, as always, James! Voted up!

Tom Whitworth 6 years ago from Moundsville, WV

James,

Thank you brother for writing the history of Issac Newton who is a particular hero of mine. Ever so often there is a man whose life is touched by God and really makes a difference to all of us mere mortals.

Newton was such a human giant!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Amy Becherer 6 years ago from St. Louis, MO

I am amazed by your ability to seek out and make these characters so real. The classroom did not do them the justice you manage. A scientist who was profoundly attached to God is not something commonplace. Newton's eloquence is also amazing. Thank you for educating in a relatable manner. Your style made me feel emotion, especially at Newton's auspicious beginnings. Thank you

aguasilver 6 years ago from Malaga, Spain

You sir are a great source of valuable information!

Thanks James, finally a scientist I can endorse!

John

Marcella Glenn 6 years ago from PA

Sir Isaac Newton's start was less than favorable, but he went on to do great things- we can too.

GusTheRedneck 6 years ago from USA

Good Morning, James -

(From a funny tale told to me by a friend) One time Isaac Newton was feted at a convention of a renowned scientific society. The presenter extolled Newton's many great accomplishments, his discoveries, his inventions. The list was a long one. Finally the man said, "But, of all Sir Isaac Newton's accomplishments, his invention of that little square of dough with the fig jelly in the middle was his greatest."

Gus ;-)

p.s.: A great hub, as usual.

Dolores Monet 6 years ago from East Coast, United States

Amazing to think that at one time, the concept of gravity was a new idea! I enjoyed reading about Isaac Newton. It's so cool that his home is still there!

James A Watkins 6 years ago from Chicago Author

Kaie Arwen— Thank you for being my first visitor!! And you are welcome.

Sir Isaac is an interesting character alright, and an outright genius. Riveted!? Thank you so much for the accolades. You seem like a very nice lady. :D

Vladimir Uhri 6 years ago from HubPages, FB

I do appreciate this piece of work about Isaac Newton. Great Hub my friend.

gracenotes 6 years ago from North Texas

While doing genealogical research, I lost count of how many boys were named after Isaac Newton in the 19th century. I'm sure they number in the thousands. Several of my ancestors were, in fact.

James A Watkins 6 years ago from Chicago Author

daPuma5— You are most welcome, young man. Thank you for reading my Hub. Welcome to the Hub Pages Community!

James A Watkins 6 years ago from Chicago Author

sherrylou57— Thank you! Thank you very much. :D

drbj 6 years ago from south Florida

James - With this remarkable recitation of Newton and his accomplishments, you awaken a desire in your readers to read more and more about history - if you have written it.

Bravo.

Lisa Luv 6 years ago from Conneticut, USA

Learn something new every day...Thank You for my daily lesson...and sooooo well written...Blessings

exjwlaurie 6 years ago

James--this was a very enlightening hub!

I felt so sad for his childhood, I never knew that part of his story. Isaac was a brilliant man. Only with the guidance of the Holy Spirit can so much wisdom become known to man. And it sounds as though he happily gave God credit for all!

Thanks for this terrific hub! It is very well written and comprehensive!

nifty@50 6 years ago

What I find fascinating about Sir Issac Newton, is that his theory, that an object propelled fast enough, would orbit around the Earth, would not be proven for over 200 more years into the future, thus ushering in man's flight into space! Another great hub James!

James A Watkins 6 years ago from Chicago Author

Captain Jimmy— It is good to see you again, Captain. Thank you for coming by to visit and for your compliments. I worked on the book every day all day for three months. Then, I was burnt out and decided to give it a two month break. I am halfway through the second draft. Thanks for asking.

James A Watkins 6 years ago from Chicago Author

BDazzler— Funny!! Thanks for the chuckles. I appreciate the visit and comments.

James A Watkins 6 years ago from Chicago Author

msorensson— I do like that epitaph. Thank you for your gracious compliments, my dear. I sincerely appreciate this visitation from you.

James A Watkins 6 years ago from Chicago Author

cameciob— Thank you very much for coming by to read my work. Newton surely has a great mind. I appreciate your compliments of my Hub, and the pictures. It is good to hear from you.

"This hub has given me that opportunity to know him more and to pay my highest regard for this immortal soul."

Well said!

Gerry Hiles 6 years ago from Evanston, South Australia

You have done again James. Excellent.

You already know of my highest regard for Newton.

James A Watkins 6 years ago from Chicago Author

itakins— That's funny!! I hadn't thought of that. But you are right. Thank you for sharing your thoughts. :D

James A Watkins 6 years ago from Chicago Author

advisor4qb— It is a pleasure to hear from you again, my dear. I appreciate the vote up!

James A Watkins 6 years ago from Chicago Author

Tom Whitworth— You are welcome, brother. Newton is a giant among men. I enjoyed your comments. Thank you for coming by.

James A Watkins 6 years ago from Chicago Author

Amy Becherer— I thank you for your laudations. I am grateful to read your words of praise. I greatly appreciate this visitation from you.

James A Watkins 6 years ago from Chicago Author

Aguasilver— Hey John! You are most welcome. I am glad you liked this piece. Thank you for reading my work. :D

James

James A Watkins 6 years ago from Chicago Author

Marcella Glenn— I surely agree with you. Thank you for that comment. :-)

James A Watkins 6 years ago from Chicago Author

GusTheRedneck— That is a funny story, Gus. I hadn't heard that one. Thanks for relating it here. I appreciate the visit and the compliment. :)

James

James A Watkins 6 years ago from Chicago Author

Dolores Monet— Yep, Woolsthrope Manor is still there. I am glad you enjoyed this piece. Thanks for letting me know you did. Always good to see you.

James A Watkins 6 years ago from Chicago Author

Vladimir! Thank you, my brother. Thank you very much. :D

quicksand 6 years ago

Cool, James. You've written a lot about Newton that I did not know. Thanks! :)

always exploring 6 years ago from Southern Illinois

This was so interesting, and good to know that he, Newton, believed in God. Terrible that he was not wanted by his mother.You presented a well written account of Newton,s life. Thank you.

Love and Peace

lone77star 6 years ago from Cebu, Philippines

A hero of all times. A giant amongst giants.

Thanks, James, for this beautiful piece.

James A Watkins 6 years ago from Chicago Author

gracenotes— That is an interesting fact, which I did not know. Thank you for bringing it to the fore. I appreciate the visit and your comments. Always good to hear from you.

James A Watkins 6 years ago from Chicago Author

drbj— Thank you for your complimentary comments. You know how to turn a phrase, while exhibiting wonderful wit. :D

James A Watkins 6 years ago from Chicago Author

Lisa Luv— You are most welcome, my dear. It is a pleasure to hear from you again. Thank you for brightening up my morning. :-)

James A Watkins 6 years ago from Chicago Author

exjwlaurie— You are welcome. Thank you for taking the time to read my work. I greatly appreciate your laudations. Welcome to the Hub Pages Community!

tinamarie9884 6 years ago

Great hub, I enjoyed reading it. Thank you for all the info.

Hello, hello, 6 years ago from London, UK

Thank you for your well research and as always well written article. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it and some information was new to me.

James A Watkins 6 years ago from Chicago Author

nifty@50— Great to see you here, my friend! Yes, that Newton fella had remarkable foresight. Thank you for reading my work and for your gracious compliments. :)

James A Watkins 6 years ago from Chicago Author

Gerry Hiles— Thank you, Gerry. I know you are a man of high intellect so your approval is gratifying for me. :D

James A Watkins 6 years ago from Chicago Author

quicksand— Good to hear from you, my friend. I'm glad you enjoyed this piece. Thank you and you are welcome.

James A Watkins 6 years ago from Chicago Author

always exploring— You are surely welcome, dear. Thank you for reading my Hub. I enjoyed reading your remarks. Love and peace to you.

James A Watkins 6 years ago from Chicago Author

lone77star— You are welcome. Thank you for your gracious compliments. A giant among giants. Good one!

CMerritt 6 years ago from Pendleton, Indiana

James, I forgot how much Isaac Newton ROCKS!! Sure I studied him in the 8th grade, and everytime an apple drops out of one of my apple trees, I think of his genius...and I am a hugh fan of his fig treats...Seriously, I really enjoy these quick little tidbits of history that you share with us. I shared this one with my 10-year old son, and he thought it was very cool.

THANKS!

2besure 6 years ago from Charlotte, North Carolina

What struck me at this hub, is you can not determine what a person will become from wher they began. We have many throw away people in out society that are capable of great things, if given an opportunity. Very informative! voted up

CASE1WORKER 6 years ago from UNITED KINGDOM

I have been told that Newton was dyslexic which would account for his slow early scholastic progress. Had you come across this descriptor?

Fullerman5000 6 years ago from Louisiana, USA

Great hub as always James. I enjoyed and learned a bit of new information. Thanks

gusripper 6 years ago

As you already wrote T H E M A N.No comment.Thanks Master.

drpastorcarlotta 6 years ago from BREAKOUT MINISTRIES, INC. KC

I must say, your Hubs are so informational, it's like going to school! I like! I voted this hub useful!!!

James A Watkins 6 years ago from Chicago Author

tinmarie9884— You are welcome. Thank you for reading my Hub. I am glad you enjoyed it.

James A Watkins 6 years ago from Chicago Author

Hello, hello,— You are welcome. Thank you for visiting and for your kind compliments.

James A Watkins 6 years ago from Chicago Author

CMerritt— I am well pleased that your son liked it. Thank you for writing to me. I appreciate your affirmation. And you are welcome. :-)

James A Watkins 6 years ago from Chicago Author

2besure— Brilliant insights! Thank you for your keen comments. I surely agree with you. I appreciate the vote up! :)

James A Watkins 6 years ago from Chicago Author

CASE1WORKER— I was not aware of this. Thank you for providing this intriguing information. Interesting!

James A Watkins 6 years ago from Chicago Author

Fullerman5000— You are welcome. I am glad you enjoyed this piece. Thank you for visiting and commenting.

James A Watkins 6 years ago from Chicago Author

gusripper— You are welcome. Thank you! Thank you very much. :D

James A Watkins 6 years ago from Chicago Author

drpastorcarlotta— School is in session! :-)

Thank you for voting this useful. Always good to hear from you.

singlmomat52 6 years ago

The epitome of a true workaholic!! I don't think that many could fill his shoes in this day and time!! Fantastic hub!!

Thank You!!

Robert 6 years ago

James,

You my friend should have been a teacher. Your enthusiasm for learning and seeking would have inspired many a generation. Always been a big fan of Newton, he created warp drive, right? Great Hub!!

lctodd1947 6 years ago from USA

This goes to show us that dynamite comes in very small packages. As always this is superb writing. I am glad you are with us more. Thank you for sharing this with us so that we are more knowledgable in history matters. Us, women that is......

James A Watkins 6 years ago from Chicago Author

singlmomat52— He truly was that! I agree with you about filling his shoes. We have a lot of disctractions these days. Thank you for your fine compliments. And you are welcome.

James A Watkins 6 years ago from Chicago Author

Robert— Hello, my old friend!! I have long harbored a desire to be a teacher. I suppose I'd have to graduate from high school first. :)

You had me going with "Warp Drive." Thanks for the affirmation.

James A Watkins 6 years ago from Chicago Author

Ictodd1947— Yes, it often does. Thank you. And you are welcome.

It is my pleasure to be of service, and it is a pleasure to hear from you.

Thank you for coming by to visit. I sincerely appreciate your warm words, and you are most welcome.

bayoulady 6 years ago from Northern Louisiana,USA

James, I found this spellbinding from begiining to end. So many little known facts, I suspect. I have never heard about Newton's birth size. It indicates that he was a preemie,in my opinion. He was indeed a peculiar but brilliant man.

HealthyHanna 6 years ago from Utah

As always, a great Hub. I love the way you condense History. Thanks.

stars439 6 years ago from Louisiana, The Magnolia and Pelican State.

This was so good I will have to read it more than once. Great Hub. Fantastic photographs. GBY

Daniel V. 6 years ago from Romania

Hi James, great hub you wrote here. This is not exactly the info you get when you search for someone with such a background, so thank you! Looking forward to read more from you. Cheers!

James A Watkins 6 years ago from Chicago Author

bayoulady— Peculiar but brilliant. Yes. He may have been a preemie. I hadn't thought of that, nor have I seen that mentioned in any history text. Good eye! Thank you ever much for your acute observations.

James A Watkins 6 years ago from Chicago Author

HealthyHanna— You are most welcome. Thank you for the laudatory remarks. They make a man feel good! :-)

James A Watkins 6 years ago from Chicago Author

stars439— God Bless You, my brother. I cherish the times when you come to visit. What a good man you are.

DjBryle 6 years ago from Somewhere in the LINES of your MIND, and HOPEFULLY at the RIPPLES of your HEART. =)

Hey, I have read so much about Newton but none of them was presented the way you did with this hub! You had so many interesting details that I haven't heard before.Aside from that, we learn to realize that anyone can do great things no matter how unsuccessful or how lesser they may seem at the moment. This is very inspiring! You never fail to fascinate me and keep me wanting to read more of your hubs, my friend! Thanks for sharing another awesome hub! =)

dara 6 years ago

What an amazing human being this man Newton was.

You are amazingly prolific these days and, your Hubs have been wonderful to read...so many great facts.

Thank you.

pcoach 6 years ago

Teach on brother! What a fascinating man. You really rather brought him to life for me. Thank you again for your wonderful work.

James A Watkins 6 years ago from Chicago Author

Daniel V.— You are welcome. Thank you for the fine compliments. I appreciate your thoughtful comments. I am glad you came by to visit and read my work.

James A Watkins 6 years ago from Chicago Author

DjBryle— You are welcome. I am flattered by your gracious compliments. Thank you very much for reading my Hub and leaving behind your warm words. I especially like this that you wrote:

". . . anyone can do great things no matter how unsuccessful or how lesser they may seem at the moment"

Excellent observation!

James A Watkins 6 years ago from Chicago Author

Dara! My friend! Hello and thanks for coming to see me. I am glad you enjoy my work. I hope you remember me when your art is on exhibit at MOMA. :D

In school Physics was not one of my stronger nor favorite subject. Newton was always associated with boring classes. I wonder if our teacher had inspired and instilled a sense of curiosity the way your story has, perhaps it would have made one schoolboy's viewpoint of Physics differently.

cristina327 6 years ago from Manila

Another excellent hub indeed from you James A. Watkins. Isaac Newton is one of the greatest minds who lived on earth. His contributions to Science and Mathematics serve as foundations for further development of Mathematics. Thank you for sharing this well-written account on Isaac Newton. Blessings to you.

James A Watkins 6 years ago from Chicago Author

dealrocker— Hello! I am glad you enjoyed my Hubs. Thank you very much for saying so. :D

James A Watkins 6 years ago from Chicago Author

SilentReed— Physics, or even Science for that matter, was never my strong suite or an area of particular interest to me. These men I find quite fascinating. Thank you for your fine and thoughtful complimentary comments. :D

James A Watkins 6 years ago from Chicago Author

cristina327— How wonderful to see you here, my dear! I surely agree with your assessment of Sir Isaac Newton. Well said!

Thank you for reading and commenting on my Hub. And you are welcome. :-)

Cathi Sutton 6 years ago

I love history, and you always have great historical accounts, and lots of information! Thanks for being who you are!

no body 6 years ago from Rochester, New York

I don't know how you do it Jim. You make history sound like 20/20 or some program on TV. Thank you for your dedication to continuing our education. Love you brother. bob

James A Watkins 6 years ago from Chicago Author

Cathi Sutton— You are quite welcome! I also love history. Thank you for your kind comments. I appreciate you! :-)

Nell Rose 6 years ago from England

Hi, this was fascinating, I couldn't help but think of the similarities between him and Einstein when you said that he never slept properly or dressed accordingly, Einstein was the same! it must have been because they were so intelligent that they didn't have time or the inclination for doing normal things, and fancy having all that mercury in his body! it must have preserved him! lol I remember reading somewhere that nearly all the scientists of the time all started out by wanting to be alchemists and turning base metal into gold, because of this we have some of our greatest discoveries and inventions! great hub and rated up! cheers nell

James A Watkins 6 years ago from Chicago Author

no body— You are most welcome, Bob. Thank you ever much for the love and recognition. It feels good to be loved. I love you, too, brother.

James

James A Watkins 6 years ago from Chicago Author

Nell Rose— I think you are right that all the scientists of his day did start out as alchemists. And were trying to turn ordinary metal into gold. You know what they say about the mad scientist! Maybe the mercury contributed to Newton's longetivity. I hadn't thought about that angle. hmmm . . .

Thank you for visiting, Nell. You know I appreciate the high rating and your kind regards.

James

tonymac04 6 years ago from South Africa

Great Hub, James. Thanks for all the info about a great scientist. I have long been fascinated by his holding onto both science and astrology/alchemy. I think that he was not quite the first to link the tides to the orbiting of the moon - Kepler had already made that link, which Galileo thought a lot of nonsense!

Thanks again

Love and peace

Tony

James A Watkins 6 years ago from Chicago Author

tonymac04— You are right about the tides, Tony. I didn't write that well. I have edited it now. Thank you for catching that for me.

You are most welcome, friend. I appreciate your warm words. Love and Peace back to you!

James

ama83 6 years ago from San Jose, CA

I think it is interesting that Isaac Newton became so accomplished even though he was cast aside from his parents as if he was worthless. I wonder if it was that kind of mistreatment that made him want to succeed so strongly. Why else would he study harder after getting picked on in school? :)

Thanks for the history lesson!

James A Watkins 6 years ago from Chicago Author

ama83— You are welcome. The story is that Newton was an underachiever until one year when he was incessantly bullied by another kid. He said that this motivated him to be the best in his class. Sort of like the revenge of accomplishment. :-)

Thank you for reading and commenting.

Jaggedfrost 6 years ago

How you found me... I know not but in not knowing find curiosity in my best interest... words of the noble Isaac... not a few you have written here and to his nature faithful were you. It was an excellent article.

Allan McGregor 6 years ago from South Lanarkshire

Tremendous.

What else can I say?

And I would like to hear old Zak debate with Steven Hawking and Richard Dwakins today on the reality of God.

The difference between them is that Isaac Newton considered the evidence and arrived at a conclusion, whereas the other two gentlemen bring their conclusions to the table with them in order to inform them as to how to interpret the evidence.

James A Watkins 6 years ago from Chicago Author

Jaggedfrost— I very much enjoyed reading your poetic words here. Thank you for writing to me. I look forward to reading some of your work soon. I believe I found you through a brilliant comment you left on someone's Hub I was reading.

Jaggedfrost 6 years ago

if brilliant you think me I pale to you... who in your writing stay evergreen... but I cannot repine the truth... that I have no desire to write for things people read in passing and might be of a mind to put in a paper on this or that... I enjoy the obscurity of my work though wish it spoke to a wider group... I am not sure I could have both and still keep the integrity of my work intact.

James A Watkins 6 years ago from Chicago Author

Allan McGregor— Thank you for checking out my work, Brother. I'll be coming over to visit your Hubs this weekend.

I would pay to see that debate!! Thank you for your gracious laudations. I'm feeling pretty good right about now. :)

James A Watkins 6 years ago from Chicago Author

jaggedfrost— It is a fine line indeed. My works are politically incorrect, and somewhat off the beaten path. I only seek a cult following that really gets what I do. But I hope it is an enormous cult. :D

vocalcoach 6 years ago from Nashville Tn.

Riveting! Loved every single word. I had no idea, that this amazing genius had such a difficult life in his youth. Simply brilliant. An excellent history lesson. Saving this one. Thank you for bringing me such enlightening information.

James A Watkins 6 years ago from Chicago Author

vocalcoach— You are most welcome. Your laudatory remarks have made the work worthwhile all by themselves. Thank you so much! You made my evening bright. :D

Well done piece on Newton, I had no idea he was born the same year Galileo died, purposeful synchronicity it would seem. I enjoyed your glorification of Newton's religious beliefs, but was surprised you left out the part about how he had to hide much of his work for fear of persecution from zealots. That's how I learned it anyway, am I wrong?

I believe Sir Isaac walked with the Great Spirit, perhaps a bit to closely as you alluded to with his eccentricities!

Interesting research on Sir Isaac Newton, well done.

Ben

James A Watkins 5 years ago from Chicago Author

Ben Zoltak— Thank you, kind sir. Synchronicity indeed. It is true that Sir Isaac Newton hid his skepticism of the Trinity from the publick. And he also dabbled in the occult, magic, and was an alchemist. But you've got to love him. No earthly person receives the full revelation of God. We only see through the glass darkly, as St Paul said.

The Newton story goes to show, you can't imagine what a child may become at birth, so treat them well. Yes, James this is another great article.

Have a good one

James A Watkins 5 years ago from Chicago Author

platinumOwl4— Hello! Thank you for taking the time to read my articles. I very much appreciate your compliments. I totally agree with you that children often have potentials we have not dreamed of and so, let us nourish them and love them and help them become all they can be.

God Bless You!

James

Spirit Whisperer 5 years ago from Isle of Man

This is a very interesting account of a great man and you have succeeded in brining him back to life in this hub. If they found so much mercury in his body after he died he can't have been all that healthy and must have suffered greatly.

I would also suggest you add the words I have placed in parenthesis to the following:

"Isaac Newton wrote that all bodies are subject to gravity, in proportion to their masses and the (square of the) distance between them, and that this ties the planetary system together."

Thank you.

James A Watkins 5 years ago from Chicago Author

Spirit Whisperer— You are welcome. I greatly appreciate the correction, which I have made. Physics is not my strong suite, if I even have one.

I agree with your insightful analysis of Sir Isaac Newton. I am glad you enjoyed this article. Thank you for reading it and sharing your thoughts about it with me.

Spirit Whisperer 5 years ago from Isle of Man

If you wish to be ultra precise:

"the square of the distance between their centres."

Your are a gracious man. Thank you.

James A Watkins 5 years ago from Chicago Author

Spirit Whisperer— Ah yes. That does seem more precise. I made the reparation. Thank you for the help. And you are quite welcome.

molometer 5 years ago

Newton's habit's seem very similar to mine since I discovered hubpages! Great article James.

Newton is one of my hero's. Up

James A Watkins 5 years ago from Chicago Author

molometer— Sir Isaac Newton is surely a worthy hero. Thank you for reading my work here. I appreciate the compliments. Welcome to the HubPages Community!!

ISSAC DARA 5 years ago

thanks james for publishing me. In the worldwide . I'AM BACK. Still there r many inventions to be done.

James A Watkins 5 years ago from Chicago Author

ISSAC DARA— You are welcome. Thank you for visiting my Hub. I appreciate your remarks and I am glad you are back.

platinumOwl4 5 years ago

James A Watkins, Spectacular hub, I would like to know if he had a tutor or was he self-taught. I discovered that Thomas Jefferson had a Mentor, how he came to differ from his mentor is mind altering. His mentor believed that "blacks could excel as everyone else give the same opportunity" This could be why he is not often quoted.

James A Watkins 5 years ago from Chicago Author

platinumOwl4— I think most every young accomplished man had a tutor or tutors. It looks as if John Slade was infuential in the life of Sir Isaac Newton as one of his tutors.

Thank you for taking the time to read my Hub. I appreciate your excellent comments and I am grateful that you visited. It is good to "see" you again. :)

l uke lacon 4 years ago

ths is amasing i have never seen some one so interesting

James A Watkins 4 years ago from Chicago Author

l uke lacon— Thank you!! Thank you very much! :D

jainismus 4 years ago from Pune, India

Great Hub on the great scientist

James A Watkins 4 years ago from Chicago Author

jainismus— Thank you!! Thank you very much! :D

Ananymous 4 years ago

Cool

James A Watkins 4 years ago from Chicago Author

Ananymous— Thank you! Thank you very much. :D

adriana sanchez 4 years ago

good job but answer me this .......what event in school made sir isaac newton a good student??

James A Watkins 4 years ago from Chicago Author

adriana sanchez- Thank you for reading my article. I appreciate the excellent question.

Sir Isaac Newton became the top student after being bullied by a classmate.

jainismus 4 years ago from Pune, India

James A Watkins,

Thank you for sharing the information with rare images on this great scientist. Voted up and shared.

rahul0324 4 years ago from Gurgaon, India

Awesome hub! Newton is an era himself! I would like to point out here that the physics we study in schools and higher secondary intermediate studies is Newtonian; The only branch taught in the present times is Einsteinian;Calculus developed by Newton is the most important tool in the Mathematical and Scientific world being the base for most solutions and verifications of science and math.

Newton as a child was curious. There are stories that he pricked his own eye with a needle just to note the consequences and even tried to light his house on fire!

Newtons contribution to optics still holds importance as it is in wide use in optometry all around the globe.

In a nutshell, The Discoverer of the force of attraction is himself an undying central force whos fundas control the levers and pulleys of the modern day society.

Nice hub! voted up and shared!

James A Watkins 4 years ago from Chicago Author

jainismus- You are quite welcome, my friend. I appreciate the voted up and the share. Thank you for visiting and commenting. :)

James A Watkins 4 years ago from Chicago Author

rahul0324— Welcome to the HubPages Community! I look forward to reading many of your Hubs in the future. Thank you for taking the time to read my article on Sir Isaac Newton!

Your comments are awesome! You encapsulated the man in just a few words brilliantly. You should have written this Hub. :D

I had never heard that story that Newton, as a boy, "pricked his own eye with a needle just to note the consequences"

As you said so well, "Calculus developed by Newton is the most important tool in the Mathematical and Scientific world." And you keenly observed, "Newtons contribution to optics still holds importance . . . "

I very much appreciate you sharing this Hub. I am grateful to you as well for the voted up.